In the United States, online horse betting is regulated by each state, with some states allowing it and others restricting or banning it. Idaho is one of the states that has traditionally kept a tight lid on online gambling and horse betting, though the state has recently taken steps to change that. This article will explore the current legal status of online horse betting in Idaho, as well as the various options available to bettors in the state.
Overview of Gambling Laws in Idaho
Idaho has long had some of the strictest gambling laws in the United States. For much of the state’s history, the only forms of legal gambling were the state lottery and pari-mutuel horse racing. However, in recent years the state has begun to expand its gambling laws to include other forms of gaming, such as casino-style gaming and sports betting.
The current legal landscape in Idaho does not allow for any form of online gambling, including online horse betting. Though the state has recently taken steps towards legalizing certain forms of online gaming, such as sports betting, there is currently no legal framework for online horse betting.
Legality of Online Horse Betting
Despite the fact that online horse betting is not currently legal in Idaho, the state has recently taken steps to legalize certain forms of online gaming, such as sports betting. This means that it is possible that online horse betting could be legalized in the future, though there is no guarantee of this.
In the meantime, bettors in Idaho can still bet on horses through certain legal methods. These include pari-mutuel betting at the state’s racetracks and off-track betting facilities, as well as through advance deposit wagering, which allows bettors to place bets online with licensed betting sites.
Options for Horse Bettors in Idaho
Pari-Mutuel Betting
Pari-mutuel betting is a form of betting in which all the bets are placed into a pool and all the winnings are split amongst the winners, after the house takes its share. In Idaho, pari-mutuel betting is legal at the state’s racetracks and off-track betting facilities.
Advance Deposit Wagering
Advance deposit wagering (ADW) is a form of online betting in which bettors can place bets on horse races using a licensed betting site. These sites allow bettors to fund their accounts with a credit card, debit card, or other payment method, and then place bets on horse races.
In Idaho, ADW is legal and is available through certain licensed betting sites. Bettors in the state can use these sites to place bets on horse races from around the world, as well as from the state’s own racetracks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, online horse betting is currently not legal in Idaho. However, the state has recently taken steps to legalize certain forms of online gaming, such as sports betting, which could pave the way for online horse betting in the future.
In the meantime, bettors in Idaho can still bet on horses through certain legal methods, including pari-mutuel betting at the state’s racetracks and off-track betting facilities, as well as through advance deposit wagering. With these options, bettors in Idaho can still enjoy the thrill of betting on horses, even if online horse betting is not yet legal in the state.